Dear Shaded Viewers,
Vaquera lived up to its title last night. From the moment an absolutely cool, tough woman took over the room with so much spirit, you knew this would be a celebration. Then a duo sang Cher, and the whole place lit up. It was joyful and fun, the kind of show that reminds you fashion can still make you smile.
Patric DiCaprio and Bryn Taubensee keep maturing without losing any of their freshness. Under the gilded mirrors and down the red-carpeted staircase, they played with the uniforms of service and seduction. There were chef’s hats and maid headbands, waiter dickeys and military shirts with neat ties, high-collar trenches cinched with tuxedo belts, and boaters perched at a cheeky tilt. Sheer babydoll dresses with black-piped ruffles were worn with derby boots. Cigarette holders and opera golf gloves added a wink of old Hollywood mischief.
Then came the finale: sculptural gowns of ruched taffeta and bow-tied satin, first in ivory and then in electric neon green and acid yellow. They were pure theatre, and very much couture in attitude.
The two new collaborations are smart. Mykita aviators and cat-eyes are stretched into almost-melted silhouettes, and Crocs’ cult clog is recast through Vaquera’s signature distortion of the everyday.
It was witty, generous and grown-up without being serious. Vaquera puts on a show, and we’re all better for it. Bravo!
Later,
Diane
